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I was looking at some videos of Punta del Este and it seem a typical Latin American beach destination. Its usually full of people in the summer months, which for them its the opposite of the USA or Europe.

Is it truly as exclusive as its made to be? How is it different from places like Cancun, Mexico; Asia, Peru; Cartagena, Colombia; Varadero, Cuba; etc?

My understanding is that itīs the Monaco of South America. They purposely fill the boulevards with high-rise resorts, high-dollar boutiques and casinos. That obviously is going to draw a particular clientele, and it ainīt backpackers. What I donīt have clear is how it got that way, when there are other options for rich Argentines...for example look at these beaches: